What will it mean for Medway?
Admiral Sir Ian Garnett KCB, Chairman of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust:
"World Heritage Site status will recognise the outstanding contribution made by thousands of Medway people to Britain's maritime heritage. The Historic Dockyard is testament to the skill and dedication of those who built, maintained and manned the ships of the Royal Navy. It stands as a permanent source of pride in the past and inspiration for the future."
Caroline Flint, MP, Minister for Housing and Planning:
"Medway has an immense resource – waterways, heritage, open spaces and industrial landscapes. What is really inspiring is seeing how you can blend that heritage with newer buildings and elements of the environment".
Jonathan Sadler, Project Director, Chatham Maritime, SEEDA:
"World Heritage Site status will be another significant milestone in the regeneration of Chatham; it will add to the visitors’ attractions at Chatham Maritime and become a focal point in the Thames Gateway."
Cllr Jane Chitty, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Development and Economic Growth:
"World Heritage Site status is a mark of quality. It will enhance visitor experience, and increase visitor numbers. Medway will benefit from a greater choice of recreation and entertainment venues. World Heritage Site status will help place Chatham and Medway on the international map, and enhance perceptions of what Medway can offer. It will be a great source of local pride."
Robin Cooper, Director of Regeneration and Development, Medway Council:
"World Heritage Site status will embed Medway’s roots in its waterfront regeneration - the exciting pace of which echoes the vibrancy of the dockyard’s heyday. Medway is destined to become an international beacon of regeneration and heritage excellence."
Michael Fernandez, Chair of the Brook-Lines Residents’ Association:
"Increased focus on the World Heritage Site will provide a fresh future for the Great Lines, a much undervalued asset. They were tremendously important to Medway’s past, and should be equally important for its future. World Heritage Site status will support funding applications for the transformation of the Great Lines into a major community asset."
Brigadier Tony Harking, OBE, Commandant of the Royal School of Military Engineering:
"World Heritage Sites epitomise the value of partnership working. We are delighted by the opportunities for collaboration that this will offer in Chatham, and especially delighted by this reflection of the major role of the Royal Engineers in shaping Chatham's history."
Heather Calveley, Head of Regeneration, Medway Youth Parliament:
"Medway has an inspiring past and a promising future. The Great Lines City Park will be a great destination - designed and used by the people of Medway. Its community importance will equal its heritage value."
Paul Clark, MP for Gillingham:
"Medway's tremendous naval heritage of built and open spaces is a first-class legacy, and integral to the success of a diverse, culturally-rich, sustainable Thames Gateway. I am delighted that Chatham's contribution to world history is being recognised in this way. World Heritage Site status is the ultimate testimony to endeavour and achievement."
Kent Life magazine, June 2007:
"For four centuries, Chatham's raison d'être has been its naval dockyard and shipbuilding industries. Now it is poised to become the cultural centre of Medway, a key feature of the Thames Gateway, Europe's largest regeneration project."
Judith Armitt, Thames Gateway Chief Executive:
"The identity of the Thames Gateway rests on its unique heritage as a centre for trade, maritime history and defence of the realm for centuries, and it is a pleasure to be working with you on cherishing that heritage. You have Thames Gateway's full support".
